Build your own Birdbox Workshop

This is the perfect time to get a birdbox installed before the nesting season begins in earnest.  We had a brilliant afternoon in the Maxwell garden learning how to build 2 styles of bird box.   It was bright and chilly so after all the strenuous joinery work we had to retire back indoors for spicy soup and cups of tea! 

We were fortunate to be able to use birdbox kits supplied by RSPB Scotland.  

One of the completed boxes!
One of the completed boxes!

Find the right location

Find the right bird-friendly spot for your box. Ideally, it will be under the eaves of your house (where the walls meet the roof) or high on a wall, well away from curious cats or foxes. Make sure you get permission if you need it.  The box can also be sited on a tree. 

The box will need to be at least 3 metres (10 feet) from the ground, facing somewhere between north and east to avoid it getting too hot or wet. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight and don't put it over a doorway or well-used path.

Make sure that the birds have a clear flight path to the nest without any clutter directly in front of the entrance. Tilt the box forward slightly so that any driving rain will hit the roof and bounce clear.

Please note that if the box is going to be placed in a location where it will be exposed to heavy rain, it would be useful to cover the top of the lid with recycled leather or rubber. This will provide further waterproofing and extend the service life of the box.

Put your box up

Drill guide holes in the backing plate at the top and bottom of the box. Taking care, fix the box to a wall using a ladder, screws and Rawlplugs.  Once your box is in place, you’ll need to be patient and wait for the birds to start househunting in spring. There is never a guarantee of them using your box, but if you're lucky you should see or hear the male sparrows proudly chirping from nearby, or even from the roof of the box. Nesting birds are sensitive to disturbance at the nest and protected by law, so enjoy from a distance. If you are lucky, they may even raise several broods in there during one season. Maybe even spot some chicks flying the nest.

Which Box for which Birds?

Nesting boxes with holes are designed for small birds that like these holes.  If they have a 25mm hole they can attract the smaller birds including blue tits and coal tits.  The box with the 32mm hole might be used by these birds but also by sparrows, great tits and nuthatches.  If the box has an open front it will appeal to robins. 

Maintenance

It is really important to clean out the box every year and remove old nesting material.  (Wear gloves and take care on ladders).  Any time between November and January clean the box thoroughly with boiling water.  The box can also be treated on the outside with wood treatment to make it last longer. 

[16, 6, 1, 6]
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[10, 6]
[10, 10]
[10, 20]
[10, 30]
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